So, you’re looking to catch some light-the-beam energy and wondering do the sacramento kings play today? Well, if you were hoping to see them hit the hardwood this Saturday, January 17, 2026, I’ve got some bad news for you.
They aren't playing.
The Kings are actually in the middle of a much-needed rest day. After a late-night battle against the Washington Wizards just last night—which was a pretty big deal for a few reasons we'll get into—the schedule makers gave them tonight off.
Honestly, it’s probably for the best. The team has been through a literal meat grinder lately with injuries and a brutal schedule. If you’re a fan, you’ve probably been checking the injury reports more than the actual box scores lately.
The Current Schedule: When is the Next Kings Game?
Since the answer to do the sacramento kings play today is a "no," your next chance to see them is tomorrow, Sunday, January 18.
🔗 Read more: Caitlin Clark GPA Iowa: The Truth About Her Tippie College Grades
They’ll be back home at the Golden 1 Center to face off against the Portland Trail Blazers. That game is set to tip off at 6:00 PM PT (9:00 PM ET). It's the start of a busy stretch, as they also have a back-to-back coming up on Tuesday and Wednesday against the Heat and the Raptors.
If you're keeping track of the 2025-26 season, you know it's been a bit of a rollercoaster. Entering this weekend, the Kings have been hovering around a 12-30 record. That sounds rough—and it is—but there's a weird bit of momentum happening right now. They actually just came off a three-game winning streak before last night, knocking off some heavy hitters like the Lakers and the Knicks.
Why Last Night Was Actually a Huge Deal
Even though they don't play today, the reason everyone is talking about the Kings right now is because of what happened Friday night.
Domantas Sabonis finally came back.
💡 You might also like: Barry Sanders Shoes Nike: What Most People Get Wrong
Before last night, Sabonis had missed 27 consecutive games. He’s been out since mid-November with a partial meniscus tear in his left knee. For a team that relies so heavily on his rebounding and playmaking, losing him was like trying to drive a car with three wheels.
Coach Doug Christie (who took over the reins this season) has had to get really creative with the lineups. We've seen a lot of the rookie Maxime Raynaud and Dylan Cardwell, who’ve both been energetic, but they aren't Sabonis. Seeing the "Big Fella" back on the floor against the Wizards was a massive sigh of relief for the 916.
The Injury Bug Still Bites
While getting Sabonis back is a win, the roster is still looking a little thin. If you're planning to watch the game tomorrow against Portland, don't expect to see Keegan Murray. He’s still nursing a left ankle sprain and doesn't have a firm return date yet.
Also, Keon Ellis has been dealing with some recent setbacks, and Dennis Schröder has been serving a league suspension that has kept him sidelined. It’s been a "next man up" kind of season, which has been tough given that the Kings have technically played the toughest schedule in the NBA so far this year.
📖 Related: Arizona Cardinals Depth Chart: Why the Roster Flip is More Than Just Kyler Murray
Looking Ahead: A Light at the End of the Tunnel?
The good news? The hard part might be over. According to most strength-of-schedule metrics for the remainder of the 2026 season, the Kings actually have one of the easiest paths moving forward.
With Sabonis back in the fold and the veteran presence of DeMar DeRozan and Russell Westbrook (who has been surprisingly steady at 14.8 PPG), there’s a real chance they could climb out of the basement of the Western Conference.
Zach LaVine has also been carrying a huge scoring load, often putting up 30+ points just to keep them in games. If the supporting cast can stay healthy for even two weeks straight, this team might actually look like the playoff contender people expected them to be back in October.
Practical Steps for Kings Fans Tonight
Since there’s no game to watch, here’s how you can stay prepared for tomorrow’s matchup against the Blazers:
- Check the Ticket Prices Now: Since it’s a Sunday game and the team is finally getting healthy, ticket prices for the Golden 1 Center usually spike on game day. If you're local, grab them tonight.
- Sync Your Calendar: The next four games are all at home. Sunday (Blazers), Tuesday (Heat), Wednesday (Raptors), and Friday (Cavaliers). It’s a home-stand that will likely define the rest of their season.
- Watch the Sabonis Highlights: If you missed his return last night, go back and watch how the offense moved. The spacing is completely different when he’s at the elbow compared to when the rookies are out there.
- Monitor the Keegan Murray Status: Keep an eye on the official Kings Twitter (X) or local reporters like James Ham tomorrow morning. If Murray gets upgraded to questionable, the energy in Sacramento is going to hit a whole new level.
So, while the answer to do the sacramento kings play today is negative, the vibe around the team is actually higher than it’s been in months. Take the night off, rest up, and get ready for a 6:00 PM tip-off tomorrow.